Orlando Jacome-Figueroa
Contributing Writer
Today, ESU is celebrating Head Field Hockey Coach Sandy Miller surpassing 500 career wins. Wins that reflect a career defined by passion, hard work and an unwavering commitment to her team.
On Sept. 14, 2024 Miller who’s in season 40 as a coach, beat Bentley University 2-1 in a game held in Waltham, Massachusetts after a tremendous comeback from her players. This win over the falcons solidified her 500 win making her the third NCAA Division 2 head coach and the 13 in NCAA history to reach this milestone.
Coach Miller reflected on her 500 career wins.
“It’s something that I have never thought about. I just take one game at a time,” said Miller.
“It’s motivating. She’s always doing everything she can to improve this team,” said junior midfielder Jessica Seidel. “She cares about us so much. This is her life and it’s just so motivating to see how hard she works for this program and how much she wants us to improve and genuinely succeed. I just respect her so much for all that she does.”
“Sandy’s milestone really motivates the entire team because 500 wins is really such a pivotal moment in her career,” said junior left-mid Kayla Minkon. “We’re really happy we could help her accomplish that-but at the same time we know that there’s more in the tank and we can achieve even more greatness than we already have.”
From her early days Miller was a prolific athlete. As a high schooler, Miller was an active athlete playing field hockey, basketball, softball, cross-country and track. In high school, her team won the state title in field hockey and second place her senior year.
As a college student, Miller was also a multi-sport athlete at Lock Haven University. She played field hockey, basketball, lacrosse and softball. As a player in Field Hockey she was recognized as an All-American player and took Lock Haven University to two national championships in 1981 and 1982.
When Miller graduated from Lock Haven University she came to ESU to get her masters and be a graduate assistant. After a year at ESU the head coach before her retired.
“I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I got the job here at the age of 22. I became the head field hockey and lacrosse coach for 20 years, assistant basketball coach for 11 years. The last twenty years I’ve been the head field hockey coach only.”
While reflecting on her career, Miller expressed gratitude towards her coaches.
“The coach I am today isn’t the coach I was at 22. I had great coaches throughout high school and college. Sharon Taylor was an amazing coach who influenced who I am as a coach, great role models who gave me a love for athletics.”
As Coach Miller celebrates her 500 career win, the job is never done. Experience her team live at their away game against Kutztown University Oct. 1, at 7:00 p.m.